Meeting over two days, the UNPO Presidency discussed the most recent developments within the organization, applications from prospective members and debated the future direction for the organization.

For two days from 29 February 2008, the UNPO Headquarters in The Hague played host to the Fourth Session of the UNPO Presidency.  Meeting ahead of the UNPO General Assembly planned for May 2008, Presidency Members took the opportunity to discuss a variety of wide-ranging topics affecting all UNPO members.  UNPO President, Mr. Ledum Mitee, chaired the meetings with representatives of Abkhazia, Ahwazi, East Turkestan, Khmer Krom, Taiwan and Tibet in attendance. 

The UNPO Presidency is elected by members of the UNPO General Assembly and mandated to supervise the activities of UNPO.  Working closely with the General Secretary it assists in the smooth running of the organization.  During each term of eighteen months, the Presidency meets at least three times.

On this occasion key agenda items included the status of existing UNPO Members, the accession of three prospective members to the organization, and changes to the Preamble of the UNPO Covenant.  Speaking on the changes to the Covenant Preamble, UNPO General Secretary Mr. Marino Busdachin declared that “...UNPO is perfectly placed to offer solutions to many of the problems of the post 9/11 world...and the Membership now have the opportunity to make the Covenant reflect this capability”.

Among the topics discussed was the need for a clear understanding among all UNPO Members that the right to vote in the deliberations of the General Assembly planned for May 2008 would be reliant on Member ensuring that they were in good-standing and in full observance of the UNPO Covenant.

Members were also informed of forthcoming UNPO events including plans for a landmark De Facto State Conference to be held in May 2008, a Uyghur leadership training seminar, and a youth training event entitled Speak Out!. 

In a side event, and in recognition of his years of dedication and hard work in support of UNPO, Mr. Broekman was presented with a framed declaration of appreciation by Honorary President Mr. Erkin Alptekin.  In a brief speech before the Presidency, Mr. Alptekin recounted Mr. Broekman’s determination and perseverance during the more challenging periods in UNPO’s history and hoped for his continued support in the future. 

The UNPO Presidency next meets in May 2008 in Brussels, in conjunction with the upcoming IX UNPO General Assembly.

UNPO Members wishing to receive clarification on voting procedures should contact the UNPO Secretariat by telephone on +31 (0)70 3646504.  Written enquiries should be sent via This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by fax on +31 (0)70 3646608.